How to Upgrade to Windows 11

Microsoft released Windows 11 in June 2021 to improve upon the already popular Windows 10.

The new operating system brings a slick new look, many quality of life changes, and many new features.

Windows 10 users that wish to migrate can do so for free, but there are some things you must know before upgrading to Windows 11.

Windows 11 System Requirements

Before going forward, here’s a list of minimum requirements for your PC specs and software to install Windows 11.

Specifications	System Requirement
TPM	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
System firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot-capable
CPU	1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB or larger
GPU	Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 drive
Display	High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
Internet connection and Microsoft account	Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. For all Windows 11 editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features.

Can I Install Windows 11?

Before taking advantage of your free upgrade to Windows 11, we have to make sure your computer’s specs are compatible.

To check if your computer meets the hardware and configuration requirements of Windows 11, we need to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool.

1. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
2. Install the app.
3. Type PC Health Check on the Windows search bar and open it.
4. Click Check Now.
5. A new window should tell you if your system is eligible to install Windows 11.

If your PC passed the check, it’s time to upgrade. Here’s how you can do it.

Upgrading to Windows 11 Using Windows Update

Microsoft is slowly rolling out Windows 11 as a free upgrade option that can be downloaded using the Windows Update tool. Microsoft intends to offer the upgrade to all eligible PCs by the middle of 2022.

If your PC passed the eligibility check, here are the steps to upgrade using Windows Update.

1. Backup all your important data, photos, and documents in the cloud or external storage.
2. Click the Windows button.
3. Click on the Settings gear.
4. Select Update & Security.
5. Click Download and install.
6. Click Accept and install after the software license terms are displayed when you’re ready to proceed with the upgrade.
7. The download and installation process shall begin immediately.
8. One Windows 11 has finished downloaded, press Restart Now to finish upgrading.

Your Windows 11 installation is now ready.

Upgrading to Windows 11 Using Windows Installation Assistant

If your computer meets the Windows 11 requirements, but the upgrade hasn’t been offered to your machine yet, you can force the update by using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Follow these steps to begin your upgrade.

1. Visit the Windows 11 download page.
2. Click the Download now button in the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
3. Open the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file you have downloaded.
4. Click on Accept and install.
5. Wait for the download and installation process.
6. Click Restart Now to begin the upgrade once the process is finished.
7. Don’t turn the computer off during this process.
8. Windows 11 is ready to use.

Upgrading to Windows 11 Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool

If you want to perform a clean install of Windows 11, you can use the media creation tool to make a bootable USB or DVD. This option is advanced and should only be used by experienced users. Follow these steps to upgrade using the media creation tool.

1. Visit the Windows 11 download page.
2. Click the Download now button in the Windows 11 Installation Media section.
3. Open the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file you have downloaded.
4. Click Accept on the notices and license terms screen.
5. Select your desired Language and Edition and click Next.
6. On the next screen, choose USB flash drive to create a bootable USB.
7. Select your USB drive from the list and press Next.

Windows will now download and set up the required files and updates on your USB drive. Although this process takes some time, you can use the PC while waiting.

1. Press Finish.
2. Open your USB drive.
3. Double click the setup.exe file and follow the onscreen instructions to upgrade using the bootable USB.

Rolling Back to Windows 10

Adopting a brand new operating system can be exciting, but comes with several drawbacks, too.

If you found bugs or the new design didn’t please you, there’s an easy and straightforward option to roll back into Windows 10. Follow these steps to roll back to Windows 10.

1. Click on the Windows Button.
2. Navigate to Settings.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click on Recovery.
4. Click Go back under recovery options.
5. Pick the reason why you’re rolling back and click Next.
6. Click No, thanks when asked to check for updates.
7. Review the changes displayed and press Next if you agree.
8. Write down your Windows password and press Next.
9. Click on Go back to Windows 10 to begin the rollback process.

After waiting and going through a few restarts, you should be back to Windows 10.